10 Best Hotels in Orkney and Shetland Islands, Scotland

Dating from the 16th century, Busta House—built by the well-heeled but ill-fated Gifford family—is one of the few grand houses of Shetland. All the rooms are different (ask about size, location, and possible noise when you book) and are prettily furnished, many with antique headboards. The Long Room is a delightful place to sample a selection of malt whiskies beside a peat fire. The restaurant serves light lunches and dinners, and the bar has a less expensive menu. This is a good place to get away from it all.

This lively B&B offers the chance to slip into the life of the buzzing Shetland community of Bigton. It has big rooms that are well designed and a dining room and lounge with beautiful views of St. Ninian's Isle and Foula. Breakfast can be whatever you want, and packed lunches and hearty evening meals can be provided with advance notice. Children are welcomed with games and movies at their disposal.

White-painted stone walls, country antiques, and the rippling sound of a stream running beneath the windows make for an evocative stay at this former mill dating from 1861. The old machinery can still be seen, and attractive gardens surround the house, which is tastefully decorated throughout with lots of wood, whitewashed stone walls, and geometric rugs. Evening meals are available on request. Located 3½ miles east of Stromness, it's a good base for visiting the town plus the nearby archaeological sites of Maewshowe and Brodgar.

Occupying a bank building dating from the 1830s, this family-run guesthouse sits on a quiet street within easy reach of Lerwick's shops, pubs, and harbor. Spacious but very plain guest rooms have orthopedic beds and well-looked-after bathrooms. The lounge is a cozy place to unwind, and there's a patio—a draw for small garden birds—for when the weather is nice.

This large, functional hotel by the harbor offers ample accommodation choices—including a wing of nine spacious, self-catering apartments—plus a good bar--restaurant. Public rooms are spotless but lack character, while the modern guest rooms combine light wood, creams, and purple-accented soft furnishings. Ask for a room with a good sea view on an upper floor to avoid a room around the back.

This traditional inn with rooms and a restaurant is handy for the ferry and other transport links for Orkney's sights. Guest rooms are light and spotless, and some have harbor views. The popular restaurant serves a healthy choice of local seafood, beef, and lamb dishes. Expect a fiddle or three in the pub, which often serves as an impromptu music venue and appeals to beer lovers with 10 local cask brews.

About 34 acres of grounds surround this modern, ranch-style hotel overlooking Scapa Flow, about 3 miles southwest of Kirkwall. Bedrooms are simply furnished, with firm beds and well-maintained bathrooms. Its restaurant has an attractive light-wood Scandinavian-style dining room and serves elegant dishes using quality, local ingredients including the sweetest scallops from Kirkwall Bay Shellfish, North Ronaldsay mutton, and Orkney beef.

With options limited for an overnighter in Unst, this quiet and spacious youth hostel will appeal to travelers who want more than a quick day trip and take an interest in others who end up in the same remote location. There is a basic but modern shared kitchen and comfy lounge that sometimes hosts those who have missed the boat to Yell. The dormitory rooms, which range from 2 to 11 beds, have sturdy bunks with fresh bedding provided. Book in advance to secure sole use of a room.

Tucked away behind the town's main thoroughfare is this unfussy small hotel with comfortable, if rather expensive, rooms. The satisfactory restaurant serves unpretentious dishes using locally sourced produce.

Popular with anglers, this family-run hotel overlooks the gentle lap of Loch Harray—its experienced ghillies (guides) know the choicest spots and provide instruction for novices. Left your rod at home? You can rent all the equipment you need, including boats. The comfortable, if old-fashioned, rooms encourage a good night's sleep after a hard day on the water. Skerries, the hotel's restaurant, serves superior Scottish cuisine that includes local seafood and Aberdeen Angus beef reared within a 10-mile radius. The hotel is 10 miles northeast of Stromness.